When something holds a special place in your heart, especially when it comes to pieces of your past, those things never lose their luster. Such is the case with me and my love for Saratoga Lake. Although I grew up on Saratoga Lake, it's been a good many years since I've had the chance to enjoy the lake from 'the lake' and not the shore. So last night when I happened upon something on Facebook advertising a sunset cruise on Saratoga Lake, I leaped at the opportunity. I'm pretty sure that after you read today's post, you'll be jumping on board too!
The Adirondack Cruise & Charter Co. is the brainchild of Hal Raven, a licensed Captain who also pilots some of the larger cruise ships on Lake George. Hal's dream is to restore the old tradition of public cruise boats on Saratoga Lake, beginning with this current vessel - a 22 foot Sweetwater Pontoon Boat. Hal's dream doesn't end here though. Hal envisions a larger, higher capacity vessel and someday, he even hopes to bring a steamboat back to the lake taking us back in history to the 1890's. Adirondack Cruise & Charter Co. celebrated their grand opening just this May and since then Hal has been dreaming up all sorts of fun excursions, like last night's Sunset Cruise. Once that cruise ended, a Moonlight Cruise followed.
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| Our 'ride' for the Sunset Cruise |
Hal built this gorgeous replica of a 1900's steamboat pilot house this winter and for now uses it for his ticket booth. If his dreams of having a steamboat on Saratoga Lake come true, you'll see the pilot house take its rightful place on the steamboat.
Adirondack Cruise & Charter Co. is based out of the Boatworks at 549 Union Avenue, just a short way from Exit 14 of the Northway and just across the street from the popular Lake Local. That location gives passengers a chance to get a glimpse of Fish Creek before they pass under the Route 9P bridge out into the lake.
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| Captain Hal narrating along the way. |
Throughout the cruise, Hal narrated a thorough and fascinating history of life and times on Saratoga Lake and beyond. We cruised the circumference of the lake at a leisurely and calm pace affording tonight's four passengers a relaxing view of the shoreline, much of which can only be seen by boat. Of course, this was a Sunset Cruise, so Mother Nature cooperated and provided a crystal clear blue sky and a most magnificent sunset, after which she out did herself by providing a giant, bright full moon! A beautiful and comfy boat, pillows and blankets, good company, a friendly and competent Captain, the sunset on our left and the full moon on our right..............what more could we possibly ask for?!?!
If you're a lake lover but don't own your own boat, not to worry. Adirondack Cruise & Charter Co. can provide you with the perfect, individually suited outing. Captain Hal, or Captain Kevin Forgacs, will take you to a lakeside dinner, fishing, or just a cruise on the lake. Looking for a special way to celebrate that birthday, anniversary or retirement? How about a romantic night on the water to pop the question? You bring the company, the beverages and Adirondack Cruise will see to it that you have a night to remember. Where else can you get a custom cruise for you, your family and your friends on one of the most beautiful lakes in New York State?
Beginning Tuesday, July 26, Adirondack Cruise will be partnering with the Saratoga Winery and the Hoppy Trails Brew Bus for their Saratoga Sip 'n Sail Cruises. Passengers will meet at the Saratoga Winery and enjoy a Sample Tree of five wines (of their own choosing), before boarding the Hoppy Trails Brew Bus to be chauffeured to the Adirondack Cruise dock, where they'll hop aboard for a cruise. Once back at the dock, your bus will take you back to the winery. All this for an incredibly reasonable $45.00. The Sip 'n Sail events will take place each Tuesday, beginning at 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00p.m.. The total time for each sip 'n sail event will be approximately 2 hrs. These tickets will go fast, so reserve your sip 'n sail today.
Also in the works, Hal has planned early morning Coffee Cruises, featuring Wired Coffee on board. Hal also hopes to have some "Learn the Lake" cruises, Regatta cruises, Fall cruises up Fish Creek and some others still in the planning phase. Just tonight Adirondack Cruise & Charter Co. announced they'll be offering Sunset Cruises every Thursday and Friday night at 7:30 p.m. through July and August!!! I highly recommend you jump at this affordable and unforgettable opportunity. The vessel is comfortable, large, and safe, and cruises at a speed even those with boat jitters can be comfortable with. Where else can you get 90 minutes of uninterrupted bliss for $20 per person?? To make reservations, call 518-956-2626. If you purchase 7 tickets, the eighth is free! Honestly......what are you waiting for?
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| Captain Hal with one of his regular customers, Emily. |
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| Emily's mom, Diana, Emily and Captain Hal |
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